Bat Mitzvah Celebration in Clifton College’s Synagogue

We’re delighted to congratulate the Beard family on their daughter Elinor’s Bat Mitzvah! Becoming Bat Mitzvah means that Elinor is now able to undertake religious rituals on behalf of others in her community. This meant that on 3rd February, Elinor was able to read from the Hebrew bible on our behalf. She sang her Bible portion beautifully, using the traditional trop and also shared a powerful speech about her interpretation of the portion.

We are so proud of Elinor, not only for her fantastic performance on the day, but because we see her growing into strong a young woman. Well done Elinor!

Rabbi Anna Gerrard who taught Elinor her Bible portion and led the service for Elinor’s Bat Mitzvah said, “Elinor was a fantastic student, keen to really understand and interest her Torah portion. On the day she was able to share this learning with her family and friends as well as the Clifton College community. It is very special that we are able to bring different worlds together under one synagogue roof for our Jewish students.”

For over 150 years, Clifton College has supported a vibrant Jewish community within its school. It is the only public school with it own synagogue, allowing pupils to maintain their Jewish identity while enjoying everything else school life has to offer.